Washington Commits to Bulldogs

Steve Robertson

11/11/2012

The recruiting process continues to move at an escalated pace. Mississippi State picked up the earliest football commitment in program history today when North Carolina phenom running back Robert Washington Jr. committed to the Bulldogs.

The talented 2016 prospect elected to pledge his college allegiance to the Bulldogs.

"I called and I told Coach (Tim) Brewster I was ready to commit," said an excited Washington. "He told me that he was real excited and pumped up that I was ready to commit early.

"I got to talk to Coach (Greg) Knox, the running backs coach, and he was real excited about me committing too."

Washington reports that he has always had interest in the Bulldogs and he is thrilled about the chance to play on the SEC.

"I have always liked Mississippi State," said Washington. "I like how they always come out and play every Saturday with a lot of intensity.

"They play in the SEC and that's the best football conference in the world. I am ready to go and compete against the best.

"I am going down there this weekend for the Arkansas game and I can't wait to meet all of the players and the coaches."

From the sound of things, it appears that Washington and his family are supportive of the decision to be a Bulldog.

"I have raised son to make his own decisions," said Robert Washington Sr. "I wanted him to go through the process, but he is dead set on committing to Mississippi State.

"I support his decision and we're excited to get down to Starkville next week and see everything."

Washington Sr. believes that the Bulldogs' approach to recruiting made the early difference.

"You know Mississippi State just knew how to recruit," said Washington Sr. "Robert got had a little injury earlier this year and some of the in state schools started talking with some other running backs in his class.

"I know that sort of rubbed him the wrong way. Now that he's healthy again and doing good, they wanted to come back in, but he wants to be a Bulldog."

While just a freshman, Robert Jr. has put together an impressive resume.

"He's played for Team USA Under 15 team twice and he was the MVP both times," said Washington Sr. "He's dominated every All-American event he has ever been to.

"Everybody just wondered how he would do in varsity this year. He split carries with a senior and had over 1,000 yards on just 89 carries.

"Next year it will just be Robert and he will get the ball a lot more.

"He's always been one of the better players on the field and I feel like he's done everything anybody has ever asked of him.